Countdown’s Rachel Riley reveals she was ‘ill for 10 years’ as she opens up about secret health battle

COUNTDOWN star Rachel Riley has opened up on a secret health battle that left her feeling 'ill for 10 years'.

The popular TV presenter, 34, was forced to change her diet in order to combat her health issues.

Mum-of-two Rachel, who is married to Pasha Kovalev, opened up on her struggles in a chat with the .

She told the publication: "We are all vegan in the house, and you just try and do small things. 

"In 2018, Pasha and I went vegan and there were loads of reasons but I was ill with food, so I cut eggs and diary and I started eating in vegan restaurants and realised the food was really good and we didn't have to eat meat and then we gave up fish.

"When I got pregnant, I just took a few food supplements, and it was all good."

Admitting that her doctors were "useless", it wasn't until Rachel changed her diet that she felt relived of her symptoms.

She added: "I was ill for over ten years and the doctors were quite useless about it and I gave up some foods and was literally so much better overnight.

"I didn't realise how bad I was feeling until I wasn't feeling bad."

It comes as the star finally shared her true feelings on co-star Anne Robinson amid the pair's 'feud'.

Anne became the first female to take on the role and replaced Nick Hewer in June 2021 after he stepped down from 10 years in the hosting seat.

She quit the show last summer after a long-reported rift between the pair, with Rachel allegedly debating whether or not to leave the show if Anne stayed. 

Speaking about her, she said: "Anne was a lot more headmistress style and that suits some people, and some people enjoyed it.

"I don't think it's any secret that I am enjoying working with Colin a lot more.

"She's been in the industry a long time and she knows what she wants, so she decided to leave and good luck to her, but Countdown is not really about us, any of us could go and as long as the letters and numbers are still there… then that's what the viewers want."